Sheinbaum Nominates US Relations Expert Roberto Velasco as Mexico’s Foreign Minister
President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday she will propose Roberto Velasco Álvarez as Mexico’s new foreign minister. Juan Ramón de la Fuente is stepping down for health reasons.
Career and education
Velasco is 38 years old. His work has focused on relations with the United States and North America.
- Law degree from Universidad Iberoamericana.
- Master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago, per DeclaraNet.
- 2013–2015: first public post in Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, handling citizen requests.
- 2016–2017: adviser in the Chicago mayor’s office.
- 2017–2018: evaluator for ProMéxico offices in North America. ProMéxico was dissolved in 2019.
- 2018–2020: director of social communication at the Foreign Ministry under Marcelo Ebrard.
- 2020–2021: director for North America at the Foreign Ministry.
- October (last year): nominated by Sheinbaum as undersecretary for North America and confirmed by the Senate with 94 votes for, one against, and 11 abstentions.
Nomination and Senate prospects
The president has nominated a US relations expert, Roberto Velasco, to lead Mexico’s foreign ministry. The post still requires Senate ratification.
Morena and its allies hold 87 of 128 Senate seats. That majority makes approval likely. The next Senate session is scheduled for April 7. The nomination could be added to that agenda.
Key diplomatic challenges
Velasco would take office amid tense ties with the United States. Major issues include migration, security, and the T-MEC trade pact.
Donald Trump began his second presidency on January 20, 2025. Since then he has pressured Mexico with threats of tariffs and proposed actions against criminal groups. President Sheinbaum has rejected US operations on Mexican soil.
Expectations and questions
Specialists are debating whether Velasco can steer Mexico’s foreign policy during these tensions. Observers ask if diplomacy will protect nationals abroad and preserve North American cooperation.
Academic Iliana Rodríguez Santibáñez of Tecnológico de Monterrey urged a diplomacy that defends citizens and maintains a strong regional voice. She made the comment on X this week.
Filmogaz.com will follow developments as the Senate considers the nomination. The final outcome will determine Velasco’s role in managing Mexico-United States relations.
